New Delhi, March 14: The Union Government has revoked the detention of Ladakh-based environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), saying the decision was taken to help restore peace and create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue in the region.
Wangchuk had been detained on September 26, 2025, under the preventive detention law following a law and order situation that reportedly arose in Leh two days earlier. According to officials, the detention order was issued by the District Magistrate of Leh to maintain public order.
Authorities said the decision to revoke the detention was taken after reviewing the circumstances and noting that Wangchuk had already undergone nearly half of the maximum period of preventive detention permitted under the NSA.
Following the revocation of the detention order, Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday after completing the required legal and administrative formalities.
His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, arrived at the jail in the morning to receive him and assisted with the documentation related to his release. According to reports, she reached the jail at around 10 am, and after the formalities were completed, the couple exited the prison together. Wangchuk appeared calm as he walked out alongside his wife.
Sources said that between 1 pm and 1:15 pm, Wangchuk and his wife left the jail premises in a private vehicle. Jail authorities, however, did not disclose details of his immediate travel plans.
Wangchuk had been detained following unrest in Leh in September last year. Violence reportedly broke out on September 24, 2025, during a hunger strike led by the climate activist. Two days later, authorities took him into custody under the NSA and transferred him to Jodhpur Central Jail.
He remained in preventive detention for several months and walked out of prison on Saturday after spending 170 days in custody.
Wangchuk, an engineer, innovator and environmental activist, is widely known for his work in sustainable education and environmental innovation in Ladakh. His detention had drawn attention from civil society groups and supporters across the country.
The detention had also been challenged in the Supreme Court through a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, questioning the legality of the order and seeking his release.
The Supreme Court has been hearing the matter since last year and is scheduled to continue proceedings on March 17. The case is listed before a bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B Varale.
Officials said the revocation of the detention order was intended to create conditions for dialogue and maintain stability in Ladakh. Further proceedings in the Supreme Court are expected to take place as scheduled.
